Increasing Fruit Set, Yield and Fruit Quality of "Canino" Apricot Trees

18 Pages·2015·0.45 MB·English

British Journal of Applied Science & Technology
10(2): 1-18, 2015, Article no.BJAST.18831
ISSN: 2231-0843

SCIENCEDOMAIN international
www.sciencedomain.org

Increasing Fruit Set, Yield and Fruit Quality of
"Canino" Apricot Trees under Two Different Soil
Conditions

Nevine M. Taha1 and Hanaa M. Sherif1*

1Horticulture Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Egypt.

Authors’ contributions

This work was carried out in collaboration between both authors. Authors NMT and HMS designed the
study, performed the statistical analysis, wrote the protocol, and wrote the first draft of the manuscript
and managed literature searches. Authors NMT and HMS managed the analyses of the study and
literature searches. Both authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Article Information

DOI: 10.9734/BJAST/2015/18831
Editor(s):
(1) Hamid El Bilali, Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (CIHEAM/IAMB), Sustainable Agriculture, Food & Rural
Development Department, Via Ceglie 9, 70010 Valenzano (Bari), Italy.
Reviewers:
(1) Shoaib Nissar Kirmani, Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, ICAR, India.
(2) Anonymous, University of Mersin, Turkey.
(3) K. V. Narayana Saibaba, GITAM University, India.
Complete Peer review History: http://sciencedomain.org/review-history/9815

Received 12th May 2015
Original Research Article Accepted 26th May 2015
Published 18th June 2015

ABSTRACT

The present investigation was carried out during 2012 and 2013 on 'Canino' apricot trees budded
on seedling rootstock at two private orchards located at El-Khatatba district (as sand soil ) and El –
Neanaaia village, (as clay soil) Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. Trees were sprayed four times at the
start of growth in the 3rd week of February(swelling bud stage), at flowering (balloon stage)in the 1st
week of March, just after fruit setting in the first week of April and month before harvest with three
sources of calcium, Inca (Ca & Zn) at two concentrations (1&2 cm3), Klover Calbora (Ca & B
chelated on hepta glouconic acid) at two concentrations (1&2 cm3) and Calciven (soluble CaCl
2
chelated on amino and organic acids & 5% B) at two concentrations (1&2 cm3). Results showed
that, higher concentration of the studied treatments was mostly more effective than low one. Clay
soil supported better fruit set, yield, leaf chlorophyll, Ca, Zn, B and TSS while sand soil encouraged
fruit weight, size, dimensions flesh thickness and firmness but also decreased fruit drop.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Corresponding author: E-mail: [email protected];
Taha and Sherif; BJAST, 10(2): 1-18, 2015; Article no.BJAST.18831

Keywords: Apricot; calcium; zinc; boron; fruit set; yield; fruit quality; sand and clay soil.

1. INTRODUCTION infections and improving fruit quality. They added
more research still need to be conducted to
"Canino" apricot (Prunus armenica L.) is one of investigate the long term effect of B and Ca
the most popular and important stone fruit grown applications on peach variety Andros’.
in Egypt. Several factors were studied to
decrease fruit abscission and improve yield and Zinc is essential element for crop production and
fruit quality. One of the most important factors is optimal size of fruit, also it is required in carbonic
spraying calcium element which enhances fruit enzyme which present in all photosynthetic
set, reduces fruit drop, increases yield and fruit tissues and required for chlorophyll biosynthesis
quality essentially combined with boron. [10]. Zn have main role in synthesis of proteins,
enzyme activating, metabolism of carbohydrates.
Calcium (Ca) is the most important mineral By fertilizers contain zinc and other
determining the quality of fruit. Calcium sprays micronutrients; performance on quality of crops is
applied to fruit during the growing season may increasing [11].
reduce the incidence of certain fruit disorders
and improve fruit quality [1]. Responses to Recently, Keshavarazl et al. [12] reported that
calcium sprays are not predictable from calcium spraying Persian walnut with boron and zinc at
levels in soil or leaves. In addition, Stebbins et al. 174 and 105 mg/L, recorded the highest values
[2] and Eissa et al. [3] mentioned that calcium in pollen germination, fruit set ,nut weight, kernel
functions appeared as a cross and linkage of the percent, nut and kernel length and chlorophyll. In
middle lamella, which binds cells together. It is addition, Sarrwy et al. [13] indicated that spraying
also needed in enzymatic reactions, provides the date palm inflorescence with both boric acid
balance of anions and cations in the plant and and/or calcium nitrate had a significant effect on
plays an important role in the stabilization of cell fruit set, yield and fruit physical and chemical
membranes. Researches reported that pre or characteristics. Polyamines are low molecular
post harvest application of calcium extended the weight aliphatic amine compounds existents at
shelf-life by maintaining firmness, reducing every place in plants, animals and bacteria. They
respiration rate and increasing marketability of have been associated with growth and tissue
fruits. differentiation [14]. The influence of polyamines
in increasing fruit set has been observed in apple
As regard to boron element, it plays an important and pear where they enhanced pollen tube,
role in protein synthesis, sugar transport, ovule penetration and delayed ovule senescence
hormone, catabolism and growth of pollen tube without affecting flower ethylene production [15].
[4]). Boron improved chemical fruit quality [5].
Boron may be applied at any time but is more The aim of this research is to study the action of
effective in improving blossom quality and fruit spraying Ca++ from different sources (Ca O or Ca
set if applied shortly before full bloom. Sprays Cl2) and combined with different elements like B,
can also be applied early during the growing Zn and N to achieve the possibility of improving
season or postharvest while the leaves are still fruit set, yield and fruit quality of Canino apricot
green and active. Higher maintenance rates may trees through application of Inca, Calbor and
be required for orchards planted on very sand or Calciven compounds at different concentrations
calcareous soils [6]. Hassan et al. [7] showed under two types of soil.
that spraying boron caused a remarked
promotion in leaf mineral status, yield and fruit 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS
quality compared with the control. Using boron in
descending order was very effective in improving The present investigation was conducted during
the growth, nutritional status, fruit quantity. Also, the two growing successive seasons of 2012 and
suggested to be beneficial in improving the 2013 on "Canino" apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.)
growth, nutritional status, and yield and fruit trees in a private orchard at El Khatatba (as sand
quality of "Canino" [8]. Kavvadias et al. [9] soil) and El-Neanaaia (as clay soil) at El
recommended that pre-harvest spray of Ca + B Monuofia Governorate. Soil characters are listed
at flowering, fruit set and fruit growth is useful for in Table (1).
reducing fruit cracking and Monilinia laxa

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Taha and Sherif; BJAST, 10(2): 1-18, 2015; Article no.BJAST.18831

Table 1. Chemical properties of the studied soils

Chemical analysis:-

Soil no. Sp pH Total EC O.M% Cations (mmolc L -1) Anions (mmolc L -1)
1-2.5 CaCO Ds/m-1 Ca2+ Mg2+ Na+ K+ CO - HCO - Cl- SO -
3 3 2 4
%
1-El 22 8.04 1.49 1.56 0.35 3.24 2.81 7.61 0.24 2.67 1.21 9.22 3.47
Khatatba
2-El- 55 7.70 2.90 1.52 1.70 3.99 3.00 6.41 0.60 4.90 1.60 8.31 4.09
Neanaaia

Macro-nutrients and micro- nutrients (mg /kg soil)

Soil no. N P K Fe Mn Zn
1- El Khatatba 75 7.5 110 2.67 0.30 0.8
2-El – Neanaaia 100 5.5 122 4.90 1.00 1.8

Selected trees were fifteen years old, grafted on quality, the following measurements were carried
Balady apricot seedlings and planted at 5 x 5 out:-
meters apart, nearly similar in growth vigor and
fruiting, free from any visual disease symptoms Eight branches selected around tree were
and receiving regularly the recommended chosen and labeled before spraying for
orchard management. Three sources of calcium, determine different obtained data in both
Inca (Ca & Zn) at two concentrations 1 & 2 seasons.
cm3/L. Klover Calbor (Ca & B chelated on
heptaglouconic acid) at two concentrations 2 & 3 1- Flowering and Fruiting:
cm3/L. and Calciven (soluble Ca chelated on
amino acid and organic acid and B) at two Eight branches, in the different sides of each tree
concentrations 1 & 2 cm3/L. On clay soil were tagged for determining the fruit set
treatments were applied as a foliar four times at percentage, fruit drop and yield.
the start of growth in the 3rd week of
February( swelling bud stage), at balloon stage in Fruit set was calculated in relation to the total
the 1st week of March, just after fruit set in the number of flowers and then the percentages
last week of March and month before harvest. were calculated as follow:
While on sand soil all stage were earliest with 3
or 5 days than on clay soil .The experimental Fruit set (%) = No. of developing fruitlets x
design was completely randomized, with seven 100 /Total No. of flowers
treatments in three replicates consisting of five Fruit drop (%) = No. of fruitlets at set - No. of
trees each. The applied treatments were as fruit at picking time ÷ No of fruitlets at set × 100
follows:
Fruits were collected at maturity stage late of
 1 cm3/L Inca (6%Ca &1%Zn). June from each tree of various replicates.
 2 cm3/L Inca (6%Ca & 1%Zn).
 2 cm3/L Calbor (9% Ca O &1%boron &5% 2- Yield and fruit quality:-
hepta glouconic acid). 2-1 Yield (kg/tree)
 3 cm3/L Calbor (9% Ca O &1%boron & 5%
hepta glouconic acid). Fruits were collected at maturity stage late of
 1 cm3/L Calciven (15% Ca Cl2&1% boron June from each tree of various replicates and
yield weight (kg/tree) was estimated by
chelated on amino acid and organic acid).
 2 cm3/L Calciven (15% Ca Cl2&1% boron multiplying the number of fruits with average fruit
weight.
chelated on amino acid and organic acid).

 Tap water as control.
2-2 Fruit physical properties:-

Furthermore, to evaluate the efficiency of the
tested treatments on tree growth, fruiting and fruit Twenty fruits from each tree under study were
chosen for determining the following:-

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Taha and Sherif; BJAST, 10(2): 1-18, 2015; Article no.BJAST.18831

2 – 2-1 Average weight of fruit (gm). concentration of N, Ca were expressed as
2- 2-2 Average fruit volume (ml). percent %, while Zn and B were expressed as
2 - 2- 3 Average fruit length (cm). part per million (PPM) on dry weight basis.
2- 2-4 Average fruit diameter (cm).
2-2-5 Fruit flesh thickness (cm). Data were statistically analyzed in split-split plot
2-2-6 Fruit firmness was estimated as Ib/inch2 design according to the method of [25], Duncan
using the Magness and Taylor (1925) pressure at 5% level was used for comparison between
tester of 5/16 inch plunger. means of each treatment.
2-2-7According to the monetary study of fruit
yield it can be calculated the farm gate price of 3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
the final product as follow:
1-Flowering and Fruiting:

a. Fruits volume less than 40 ml. = 1
1-1 Fruit set %:
LE/Kg.

b. Fruits volume from 40 - 45 ml. = 1.5
Regarding the effect of spraying different sources
LE/Kg.
of Ca under investigation study on fruit set, Table
c. Fruits volume more than 45 ml. = 2
2. it is cleared that spraying with Inca and
LE/Kg.
Calciven had a positive effect on fruit set than

control in both seasons. Inca (at high and low
The equation of monetary value = yield × price
concentrations) has followed by Calciven at both
(LE/kg)
concentrations recorded the highest percentages

of fruit set in both seasons. With respect to type
2- 3 Chemical properties:-
of soil, clay soil conditions supported "Canino"

apricot trees to achieve higher fruit set
2-3-1 Total soluble solids (TSS) was
percentages (21.74 and 18.04%) through 2012
determined by a hand refractometer,
and 2013 seasons respectively. Moreover, trees
2-3-2 Acidity of fruit juice was determined (as
on clay soil with the highest level concentration
malic acid) by titration with 0.1 normal sodium
of treatments recorded the highest percentages
hydroxide with phenolphthalein as an indicator,
of fruit set in both seasons. The highest
according to [16].
significant interaction was noticed by spraying
3-Determination of leaf chemical composition:- Inca (2 cm3/L) for the two types of soil.

Leaf chemical content were determined in mid Obtained data go in line with Pandy et al. [26]
August of both seasons. Samples of 30 leaves that showed that protein synthesis has declined
/tree were taken at random from the previously by zinc deficit. One of the sites of protein
tagged shoots of each tree and were tested to synthesis is pollen tube; the amount of zinc in
leaf chlorophyll content using Minol to chlorophyll their tip is 150 micrograms/gram of dry matter. In
meter SPAD-502) (Minol to camera. Co, LTD addition zinc contributes on the pollination by
Japan) at the field in mid- August. The average impact on pollen tube formation.
of ten readings was taken on the middle of
Additionally, foliar application of boron to
leaves from all over the tree circumference,
"Conference" pear trees before full bloom
according to [17]. Leaf samples were washed
increased fruit set and fruit yield [27]. Also, on
with tap water and distilled water twice, dried at
Blueberry spray with all the three treatments (B,
70ºC to a constant weight and then ground. The
Ca, B+ Ca) increased the average germination of
ground samples were digested with sulphoric
pollen grain [28]. Likewise, Wojcik and Treder
acid and hydrogen peroxide according to [18].
[29] recommended that drip boron fertigation of
Total nitrogen was determined calorimetrically
"Jonagold" apple trees from bud burst stage to
according to [19,20], respectively. Ca and Zn
fruit set stage at a rate of 0.5 g/tree increased
were determined by Perking –Elmer Atomic
fruit set percentage and yield. Also, amino acid
Absorption Spectrophotometer model 2380,
play important specific roles in number of cellular
according to [21,22] and colorimetry using the
processes such as replication and translation of
azomethine H spectro photometric method for B
embryonic development, cell cycle programmed
[23]. Boron was determined calorimetrically by
cell death and cancer [14].
the carmine method according to [24]. The

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Taha and Sherif; BJAST, 10(2): 1-18, 2015; Article no.BJAST.18831

Table 2. Effect of different sources of calcium treatments on fruit set (%) and fruit drop (%)of 'Canino' apricot trees under two types of soil during
2012/2013 seasons

Parameters Fruit set % Fruit drop %
Treatments Conc. sand Clay Mean sand Clay Mean A x B Sand clay Mean sand clay Mean
A x B A x B A x B
Cm3/ L 1st season 2nd season 1st season 2nd season

Inca 1 19.01e 0.96fg 1.11BC 1.30bc 1.26cd 1.28C 12.15g 17.79d 14.97E 25.77f 18.25i 22.01E
2 27.83a 0.92g 1.07CD 1.60a 1.28cd 1.44AB 5.04h 12.25g 8.65F 30.56c 12.94j 21.75E
Calbor 2 4.86h 1.04e 1.21A 1.57a 1.37b 1.47A 12.29g 17.87f 15.08E 31.29c 27.57de 29.43B
3 10.49g 0.93g 1.12B 1.60a 1.20d 1.40B 31.18a 16.18ef 23.68A 28.69d 27.47de 28.08C
Calciven 1 18.73e 0.85h 1.04D 1.37b 1.22cd 1.29C 21.63bc 15.17f 18.40D 20.53h 19.16i 19.84F
2 20.33d 1.04e 1.18A 1.53a 1.37b 1.45AB 22.82b 16.88de 19.85C 22.83g 26.30ef 24.57D
Control Tap water 16.67f 1.01ef 1.12B 1.23cd 1.00e 1.12D 21.77bc 21.31c 21.54B 25.90a 33.50b 34.70A
Mean C 16.83B 0.97B Mean A 1.43A 1.21B Mean A 18.58A 17.34B Mean A 28.93A 24.84B Mean A
Mean A x C 23.42B 0.94E 1.09C 1.45B 1.27CD 1.36B 8.60E 15.02D 11.81C 28.16D 15.59G 21.88C
7.68F 0.99D 1.16A 1.58A 1.29CD 1.44A 21.74A 17.03B 19.38B 29.99C 27.52D 28.76B
19.53D 0.94E 1.11BC 1.45B 1.29CD 1.37B 22.23A 16.02C 19.13B 21.68F 22.73E 22.20C
16.67E 1.01D 1.12B 1.23D 1.00E 1.12C 21.77A 21.31A 21.54A 35.90A 33.50B 34.70A
Mean B x C 14.82D 0.97B Mean B 1.37B 1.21C Mean B 16.96C 18.03B Mean B 28.37B 24.62C Mean B

1.12A 1.29B 17.50B 26.50B
18.83C 0.97B 1.12A 1.49A 1.21C 1.35A 20.20A 16.66C 18.43A 29.49A 25.05C 27.27A
Means separated within column using LSD test at P≤0.05; Means followed by the same letter were not significantly different’

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Taha and Sherif; BJAST, 10(2): 1-18, 2015; Article no.BJAST.18831

1-2 Fruit drop (%): high concentration of treatments on the clay soil
reduced the yield in the first season.
It was clear from data in Table (2) that spraying
with Inca, significantly reduced the fruit drop These results are in a line with, Galavi et al. [33]
percentage in both seasons under study, it investigated the effect of zinc on growth and yield
reduced significantly the force required for of many plants and observed an increase in yield
removing apricot fruits at the two concentrations. with zinc application. Raese and Drake [34] was
The least retained fruits was obtained with found that pear Cv."Anjou" increased in yield as
control in the two seasons under study response to sprays of CaCl . Long term sprays of
2
respectively, while Calbor treatment was CaCl at 60 g/100L were recommended for
2
intermediate in their effect. With respect the increasing the yield of "Anjou" pear. Also, boron
effect of soil type, it was obvious that fruit drop play a role in the nutrient interactions within plant
under clay soil conditions recorded the lowest [35] while amino acid take part in number of
fruits drop, whereas sand soil conditions cellular process as replication and translation of
recorded the highest fruit drop. However, in the embryonic development [14].
1st season, Inca spray at 2 cm3/L on both soil
types induced the lowest apricot fruit drop while 1-4 Monetary value:-
in the 2nd season, Inca spray at 2 cm3/L on clay
soil showed the lowest fruit drop percentage The present treatments supported apricot grower
(12.94%). to get higher income especially with Inca and
Calbor at the high concentration (69.33 & 69.5
In this respect, Mendez et al. [30] mentioned that LE) when compared with control (LE28.0) in the
Ca cl plays a role in increasing thickness of the 1st season, but in the 2nd season Calciven at high
2
cell wall and cuticle layers, so it protects the plant concentration recorded the highest income
from fungal infection. Also, Talaie and Taheri [31] (72.08 LE). However, higher concentration
reported that B and Zn foliar sprays significant induced higher income especially on sand soil.
increased retained fruits of olives.
3-Leaf chemical content:-
Abd El Moneim [32] similarly, showed that
Calcium chloride is responsible for formation of 3-1 Chlorophyll content
strong cell walls of cotton.
Data in Fig. 1 indicated that foliar application with
1-3 yield (kg/tree) different sources of calcium in both
concentrations increased chlorophyll content
It was obvious from data in Table (3) that apricot significantly. It was noticed that there was a
yield per tree (kg) as affected by spraying with positive relation between the concentration of
Inca, Calbor and Calciven treatments increased sources of calcium and chlorophyll content. Data
significantly the fruit yield than control. Also, Inca clearly indicated that spraying trees with Calbor
and Calbor spray significantly induced the at 3 cm3/1L water increased chlorophyll in leaves
highest yield in the 1st season, while in 2nd and delayed the development of yellow colour in
season Calciven spray was the superior with the two seasons. Whereas, the lowest values
both concentrations. Moreover, the yield goes in were obtained from control in both seasons.
the same trend with fruit set percentage. It was Regarding the effect of type of soil, sand soil
found that spraying with Inca and Calbor either at recorded the highest values but the differences
high or low concentrations on sand soil had were not significant in 2nd season.
positive effect on fruit yield /tree followed in
descending order by spraying with Calciven 1&2 3-2 Nitrogen content
cm3/L.
Data in Table 4 indicate that spraying with Inca,
Whereas, the lowest values were obtained from Calbor and Calciven had a positive effect on leaf
control on both types of soil in both season. In content of N than control in both seasons. It was
the second season data was conversed where found that spraying with Calbor, Calciven and
Calciven at 1&2 cm3/L recorded the highest Inca at high concentration recorded higher
values of yield per tree, it due to the change in values of leaf content of N followed in a
weather during the spring (such as, temperature descending order by spraying with low
& winds). With respect of types of soil and the concentration with all treatments during the two
concentration of treatments, data showed that seasons. With respect to the type of soil no

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Taha and Sherif; BJAST, 10(2): 1-18, 2015; Article no.BJAST.18831

significant different between sand and clay in leaf sand soil through the two seasons of study. So,
content of N. Moreover, all studied compounds the highest Ca leaf content was noticed with
with both concentrations and on both soil types Calciven 1 cm3/L spray on clay soil (1.86 and
induced higher N leaf content than control. 1.95%) in 2012 and 2013 seasons respectively.
However, higher concentration increased N leaf
content especially on clay soil. These results are in line with those obtained by
Wojcik and Wojcik [27] who found that foliar
These results seemed to be in agreement with calcium application increased Ca concentration
Kabeel et al. [36] who indicated that foliar boron in "Jonagold" apple fruits. Calcium sprays
application to Le-Conte pear trees at full bloom increased Ca++ content and decreased K+
increased leaf content of most macro-elements content in the fruit than the control, and
(including N, P, K and Ca) and micro-elements enhanced fruit quality of "Anna" apple fruits [38].
such as boron. Also, Abd El-Megeed and Wally
[5] regarding a significant increased leaf N 3-4 Boron content
content on pear trees treated with chelated
calcium and boron. Zlatimiza and Snejana [37] Data shows that foliar spray with Inca, Calbor
on Pea plants were treated with various Zn and Calciven had a positive effect on leaf
concentrations (0.67 to 700 MM Zn). Increase in content of B than untreated trees in both seasons
Zn decrease the concentrations of Ca, Mg, P in (Table 5). Spraying Calciven at 1 cm3/1 L water
roots and increase of Ca and N levels in the (low concentration) recorded the highest values
stems and leaves. of B followed in descending order by spraying
with Inca at low concentration in both seasons.
3-3 Calcium content With respect to effect of the type of soil, it was
clear that the highest values were recorded to
Data presented in Table4. Point out that spraying clay soil.
with Inca, Calbor and Calciven had positive effect
of leaf content of Ca than control in both These results were in line with Wooldridge [39]
seasons. Spraying Calciven with two who found that boron sprays on apricot and
concentrations recorded the highest values of peach showed an increase of leaf and fruit B
leaf content of Ca followed by Calbor at high levels. Carpena - Artes and Carpena- Ruiz [40]
concentration, whereas, the lowest values were reported that the deficient states of B decreased
recorded to untreated trees in both seasons. It the leaf N, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn and B in
was evident that clay soil conditions recorded the tomato. On the other hand, excess B increased
highest values of Ca in leaf. Also, apricot leaves the concentration of nutrients with greater
gained much more Ca on clay soil than on sand significance of K, Mg and Fe followed by Ca and
soil with all present compounds, while higher Mn and smaller quantity cu and Zn.
concentrations induced higher leaf Ca content on

62.50 ICnaclab o1r c 2m C 3m/L3/L ICnaclac i2v eCnm 13 c/Lm 3/L CCaallbciovre 2n c2m C 3m/L3/L
Control (tap water)
60.00
57.50
55.00
52.50
50.00
47.50
45.00
42.50
40.00
37.50
35.00
Sandy Clay Sandy Clay
1st season 2nd season
Chlorophyll

Fig. 1. Effect of different sources of calcium on chlorophyll reading of ' Canino ' apricot leaves
during 2012/2013 seasons

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Taha and Sherif; BJAST, 10(2): 1-18, 2015; Article no.BJAST.18831

Table 3. Effect of different sources of calcium treatments on yield (Kg/tree) and Monetary value (LE) of "Canino" apricot trees under two types of
soil during 2012/2013 seasons

Parameters Yield (kg/tree) Monetary value (LE/kg)
Treatments Conc. Sand Clay Mean Sand Clay Mean Sand Clay Mean Sand Clay Mean
Cm3/ L A x B A x B AX B A x B
1st season 2nd season 1st season 2nd season
Inca 1 47.33b 44.00cd 45.67A 35.00d 35.00d 35.00E 54.00f 44.00g 49.00D 52.50d 35.00h 43.7E
2 49.33ab 40.00ef 44.67A 38.33c 41.67b 40.00B 98.66b 40.00h 69.33A 76.66a 41.67f 59.17D
Calbor 2 46.67bc 42.67de 44.67A 38.00c 38.33c 38.17C 93.34c 42.67g 68.01B 76.00a 52.50c 66.75B
3 50.67a 37.67f 44.17A 38.33c 35.00d 36.67D 101.34a 37.67i 69.50A 76.66a 52.50d 64.58C
Calciven 1 38.33f 38.33f 37.67C 36.67cd 44.17a 40.42AB 57.50e 38.33i 47.92E 36.67g 44.17e 40.42F
2 46.67bc 37.33f 42.00B 38.33c 45.00a 41.67A 70.01d 37.33i 53.67C 76.66a 67.50b 72.08A
Control Tap water 28.33g 27.67g 28.00D 25.00f 30.00e 27.50F 28.33j 27.67j 28.00F 25.00j 30.00i 27.50G
Mean C 41.96A 37.00B Mean A 34.33B 37.40A Mean A 66.44A 36.92B Mean A 55.61A 44.79B Mean A
Mean A x C 48.33A 42.00B 45.17A 36.67C 38.33B 37.50B 76.33B 42.00D 59.17B 64.58B 38.33F 51.46C
48.67A C40 .17C 44.42A 38.17BC 36.67C 37.42B 97.35A 40.17E 68.76A 76.33A 55.00E 65.67A
42.50B 38.17D 40.33B 37.50BC 44.58A 41.04A 63.76C 37.83F 50.79C 56.67C 55.83D 56.25B
28.33E 27.67E 28.00C 25.00E 30.0D 27.50C 28.33G 27.67G 28.00D 25.00H 30.00G 27.50D
Mean B x C 40.17B 38.33C Mean B 33.67D 36.88B Mean B 58.29B 38.17C Mean B 47.54B 41.67C Mean B
39.25A 35.27B 48.23B 44.60B
43.75A 35.67D 39.71A 35.00C 37.92A 36.46A 74.58A 35.67D 53.13A 63.75A 47.92B 55.83A
Means separated within column using LSD test at P≤0.05; Means followed by the same letter were not significantly different’

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Table 4. Effect of different sources of calcium on content of N and Ca ' Canino' apricot leaves
during 2012/2013 seasons

Parameters N % Ca %
Treatments Conc. ( Cm3/L) Sand Clay Mean A x B Sand Clay Mean A x B
1st season
Inca 1 2.65gh 2.60hi 2.63D 1.05e 1.64c 1.35C
2 2.88ab 2.70e-g 2.79A-C 1.11e 1.67c 1.39C
Calbor 2 2.90a 2.75d-f 2.83A 1.25d 1.68bc 1.47B
3 2.68fg 2.84a-c 2.76BC 1.35d 1.71bc 1.53A
Calciven 1 2.77c-e 2.71e-g 2.74C 1.27d 1.86a 1.57A
2 2.80cd 2.81b-d 2.81AB 1.31d 1.77b 1.54A
Control Tap water 2.50j 2.55ij 2.53E 1.10e 1.30d 1.20D
Mean C 2.71A 2.69A Mean A 1.19B 1.62A Mean A
Mean A x C 2.77A 2.65B 2.71B 1.08D 1.66B 1.37C
2.79A 2.80A 2.79A 1.30C 1.70B 1.50B
2.79A 2.76A 2.77A 1.29C 1.82A 1.55A
2.50C 2.55C 2.53C 1.10D 1.30C 1.20D
Mean B x C 2.71A 2.65B Mean B 1.17C 1.62A Mean B
2.68B 1.39A
2.72A 2.73A 2.72A 1.22B 1.61A 1.42A
2nd season
Inca 1 2.85ef 2.75fg 2.80C 1.10f 1.72c 1.41C
2 3.00b-d 2.90de 2.95B 1.17f 1.75c 1.46C
Calbor 2 3.15a 3.00b-d 3.08A 1.31e 1.76c 1.54B
3 2.85ef 3.05a-c 2.95B 1.42d 1.80bc 1.61A
Calciven 1 2.95c-e 2.91de 2.93B 1.33de 1.95a 1.64A
2 3.10ab 3.01b-d 3.06A 1.38de 1.86b 1.62A
Control Tap water 2.60h 2.65gh 2.63D 1.16f 1.37de 1.26D
Mean C 2.89A 2.87A Mean A 1.25B 1.70A Mean A
Mean A x C 2.93B 2.83C 2.88B 1.13D 1.74B 1.44C
3.00AB 3.03A 3.01A 1.37C 1.78B 1.57B
3.03A 2.96AB 2.99A 1.35C 1.91A 1.63A
2.60D 2.65D 2.63C 1.16D 1.37C 1.26D
Mean B x C 2.89A 2.83B Mean B 1.23C 1.70A Mean B
2.86A 1.46A
2.89A 2.90A 2.90A 1.28B 1.69A 1.49A
Means separated within column using LSD test at P≤0.05; Means followed by the same letter were not
significantly different’

3-5 Zinc content recorded the highest zinc values in both
seasons. We can observed the increase of zinc
As shown in Table (5) it is evident that spraying
with Calbor and Calciven treatments at high and
with Inca, Calbor and Calciven had a positive
low concentrations which may be due to some
effect on leaf content of Zn compared with
interaction indirectly where Alvarez -Tinaut [41]
untreated trees in both seasons under study.
found a positive correlation between Zn & b,

Spraying Calbor either at 2 cm3/1L or 3 cm3/1L also, indicate that B could indirectly affect some
enzyme through modification of Zn content.
water recorded the highest values of leaf content

of Zn followed in descending order by spraying of
2- Fruit physical properties:-
Inca at high concentration and Calciven at both
low and high concentrations. About the 2-1 Fruit weight (gm)
treatments concentration, it is evident that the
Data in Table (6) revealed that spraying with
high concentration had higher effect than low
Inca, Calciven and Calbor affected positively on
concentration in all treatments during the two
"Canino" fruits in both seasons under study than
seasons under study.
control. With respect to types of soil, it was
With respect of types of soil obviously values of clearly that values of fruit weight under sand soil
leaf content of Zn under clay soil conditions condition recorded the highest values and higher

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Taha and Sherif; BJAST, 10(2): 1-18, 2015; Article no.BJAST.18831

concentration of treatments had higher significant with the combination of boric acid at 0.2% &
fruit weight. chelated calcium at 0.3% treatments as
compared to the control.
Spraying Calbor either at 2 or 3 cm3/L water,
Calciven at 1&2 cm3/L and Inca 1&2 cm3/L water 2-2 Fruit volume
recorded the highest values of fruit weight in both
seasons. So, "Canino" apricot fruits were heavier As shown in Table 6, data showed that spraying
with higher concentration on sand soil. Also, the with Calbor 3 cm3/1 L water under sand soil
present treatments significantly increased the conditions recorded the highest fruit size,
fruit weight than control on sand soil. followed in a descending order by Calbor in low
concentration. Whereas, the lowest values were
Our results go in line with , Abd El- Megeed and obtained from control in both seasons. Higher
Wally [5] who found that highest yield and fruit concentration of treatments and the sand soil
weight of "Le-Conte "pear trees were recorded significantly gave the highest fruit size.

Table 5. Effect of different sources of calcium on Zn and B content of "canino" apricot leaves
during 2012/2013 seasons

Parameters Zn (ppm) B (ppm)
Treatments Conc.(Cm3/L) Sand clay Mean A x B Sand clay Mean A x B
1st season
Inca 1 42.11g 50.91b-d 46.51D 31.61d 41.32b 36.47C
2 46.58f 52.11b 49.35C 29.15f 42.00b 35.58D
Calbor 2 51.11b-d 51.08b-d 51.10B 32.36d 39.15c 35.76CD
3 54.56a 50.11d 52.33A 31.16de 38.77c 34.94D
Calciven 1 48.19e 50.34cd 49.26C 41.00b 46.71a 43.85A
2 47.33ef 51.56bc 49.44C 38.16c 41.09b 39.63B
Control Tap water 40.23h 41.42g 40.82E 25.01g 30.15ef 27.58E
Mean C 46.29B 48.62A Mean A 31.68B 38.67A Mean A
Mean A x C 44.35E 51.51B 47.93C 30.38E 41.66B 36.02B
52.83A 50.60C 51.72A 31.76D 38.96C 35.36C
47.76D 50.95BC 49.35B 39.58C 43.90A 41.74A
40.23G 41.42F 40.82D 25.01F 30.15E 27.58D
Mean B x C 45.41C 48.44A Mean B 32.49C 39.33A Mean B
46.92B 35.91A
47.18B 48.80A 47.99A 30.87D 38.00B 34.44B
2nd season
Inca 1 43.58g 52.69b-d 48.14D 33.03de 43.18b 38.11C
2 48.21f 53.93b 51.07C 30.46g 43.89b 37.18D
Calbor 2 52.90b-d 52.87b-d 52.88B 33.82d 40.91c 37.37CD
3 56.47a 51.86d 54.16A 32.56ef 40.51c 36.53D
Calciven 1 49.88e 52.10cd 50.99C 42.85b 48.81a 45.83A
2 48.99ef 53.36bc 51.17C 39.88c 42.94b 41.41B
Control Tap water 41.64h 42.87g 52.25E 26.14h 31.51fg 28.82E
Mean C 47.91B 50.32A Mean A 33.11B 40.41A Mean A
Mean A x C 45.90E 53.31B 49.60C 31.75E 43.54B 37.64B
54.68A 52.36C 53.52A 33.19D 40.71C 36.95C
49.43D 52.73BC 51.08B 41.36C 45.88A 43.62A
41.64G 42.87F 52.25D 26.14F 31.51E 28.82D
Mean B x C 47.00C 50.13A Mean B 33.96C 41.10A Mean B
48.57B 37.53A
48.43B 50.51A 49.67A 32.26D 39.71B 35.99B
Means separated within column using LSD test at P≤0.05; Means followed by the same letter were not
significantly different’

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